"We do what we can. Unless we get that broadcast rigged we've got no chance at all." Fiske lapsed into silence.
A minute passed as the "Dauntless" dodged frantically and the Eglan maneuvered for position.
"Enemy has matched component," the talker said. Instantly the "Dauntless" was surrounded by a reddish-black gloom.
"Infra band coming," Pedersen remarked. "Our spotting isn't too good there. He can be on top of us before we know it."
"Let's hope theirs isn't either," Fiske answered absently.
"Enemy has matched component," the talker said.
"Well—that's that," Fiske said with grudging admiration as the ship went dark, and began to buck and shudder in the stress area at the border of Cth and normal space. "He's just about kicked us out of commission."
A violent shock lifted the cruiser and shook her. Metal screamed and ripped as the ship, struck by a mine at the very edge of Cth, was driven downward through the border into breakout. Flashes and pinwheels of light flamed across Fiske's eyes as the ship spun madly into normal space.
The talker wakened him. "Enemy cruiser, range three fifty—steady."